Life Advice
/Health
Mom Blames Grandparents For Teen's Bad Behavior
DEAR ABBY: I'm the mother of a 16-year-old girl, "Leia." She has been living with my parents since she was 10 because that's what she and my folks wanted at the time. I didn't want her to, but I allowed it to happen because I was having health issues.
Leia chose to remain there because my parents spoiled her rotten, and they continue to spoil ...Read more
Trip To Visit Friend Comes With An Irritating Catch
DEAR ABBY: I was recently invited for a long weekend at my friend's new home in South Carolina. She has wanted me to come there to visit ever since she purchased it. I offered to come down, but then I sprained my ankle, and it still has not healed.
My friend then told me her daughter and son-in-law will be there with their two young children. ...Read more
Mixed Messages Circulate In Longtime Relationship
DEAR ABBY: My son's father, "Tony," and I dated for two years before our son was born. We split up seven years ago, and it's been on and off most of the time since then. This past year we have been growing closer again, and I asked him what he wants. Tony said he doesn't want a romantic relationship with anyone right now because he is working on...Read more
Aunt's Gambling Addiction Puts Relationship At Risk
DEAR ABBY: How do I handle an elderly aunt who has a gambling problem? I live in a town with casinos. She lives in another state four hours away. She calls me often to ask to stay with me, and if I am traveling, she asks to use my house, etc.
A year ago, she called me to help her get excluded from gambling in the state where she lives because ...Read more
Husband Becomes Roadblock To A Redecorating Revival
DEAR ABBY: I've been with my husband for 10 years. For a long time, I didn't decorate our house because I didn't want to spend the money. But for the last few years, I've spent many hours poring over Pinterest. I LOVE interior decorating and know exactly how I want each room of the house to look.
The problem is my husband. I once tried to buy a...Read more
Teen Wields Sharp Tongue Toward Female Relatives
DEAR ABBY: I have had a falling out with my sister over her 13-year-old son, my nephew. He is generally a happy child, with everything a boy could want in moderation. My sister is separated from his father. She has primary custody, but they do have a co-parenting relationship.
My nephew respects and obeys his father, but he treats my sister ...Read more
Husband Would Prefer To Bury Wife's 'Treasures'
DEAR ABBY: My wife and I are in our 80s, married for 61 years. We are financially well-off and have few medical issues. As we approach our departure from this Earth, we've created the necessary legal documents to distribute our assets. So, what's the problem? My spouse is a "collector." We have several wonderful china settings, sterling silver ...Read more
Friend Forced To Ride Along As Woman's Marriage Derails
DEAR ABBY: My best friend of 40 years, "Savannah," has been in a bad marriage for 20 of those. Her husband has cheated on her repeatedly. He can't keep a job, and he emotionally abuses her and her daughter. Now that she's finally fed up, he refuses to leave the house.
Despite how bad his behavior has been, Savannah is doing nothing to move the ...Read more
Mother Unsure How To Handle Aftermath Of Son's Accident
DEAR ABBY: A month ago, my 7-year-old son was struck by a vehicle while riding his bike in a crosswalk. He's fine now. His injuries were minor, although it was frightening. Police and paramedics responded quickly, and I took my son to the hospital to have him fully checked.
Later that day, a police officer came by our house with a new bike for ...Read more